Well read, well fed and well travelled

Master of Wine Justin Knock, winemaking consultant at bottling firm Cobevco, reveals a thirst for adventure and grape escapes
Describe yourself in three words
Thirsty, well-travelled.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
Spending two years working directly under Philip Shaw, former chief winemaker for Rosemount Estates. He is one of the most brilliant winemakers I know, constantly challenging accepted norms and inspiring others. I learned more in my time working with him than at any other time in the wine business.
How did you get to where you are today?
Planes help and I’m quite fond of taxis, but when it comes to people, I’ve found it’s easier to get on by listening a lot and talking less.
What are your pet hates?
I get really frustrated when people refer to wine as ‘juice’, as it completely denigrates the hard work of winemakers around the world. It’s not even any faster to say, and makes it sound as if there isn’t a difference between the two, which there most definitely is.
Give us a positive prediction for the drinks industry over the next 12 months.
People are taking more of an interest in learning about wine, so I think 2013 will see a real increase in the number of people drinking it, which can only be a good thing.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
The ability to set a standard and uphold it. This leads to accountability and the confidence to educate employees on what’s important, and be open about when something needs to be improved.
Who do you most admire?
Mike Brown, a winemaker from Gemtree in Australia, for his leadership abilities – and my mum, for her perseverance in raising six kids on her own.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
Cobevco, of course. It’s dynamic and has world class capabilities. I think, in general, the businesses to watch are those that have a sense of realness about what they do, are genuine leaders and uphold standards. They are the businesses that benefit those around them as well as themselves.
Which word or words do you most overuse?
‘What’, ‘can do’, ‘interpolate’ and ‘how about a glass of Burgundy?
If you weren’t a winemaking consultant what else might you be doing?
You would find me living in the Yarra Valley outside Melbourne or hanging out in a sherry bar in Andalucia.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know.
I’ve been told we have some family link to the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, which might explain my wanderlust.
Any vices?
Really good Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
Someone who could deal with my emails.
How do you relax?
I leave the UK and head for Spain or somewhere else on the Mediterranean, preferably with an empty inbox.
How would you like to be remembered?
As well read, well fed and well travelled.
And well red!